Minnesota Grow Your Own Teacher
In collaboration with the University of Minnesota, Reading Corps is offering an accelerated pathway to becoming a teacher. Minnesota Grow Your Own Teacher is an initiative focused on preparing future teachers, reducing barriers to earning a graduate degree, and strengthening the tutor-to-teacher pipeline. Open to Reading Corps members with bachelor's degrees, participants earn a master's degree in education and a license in K-6 Elementary Education upon successful completion.
The next application deadline is March 31, 2025.
Get paid to complete your field experience and student teaching!
MNGOT + Reading Corps = A Paid Pathway to Becoming a Teacher
- Get placed at a local school for a two-year period and build a strong professional network
- Earn a paycheck every two weeks, qualify for free individual health insurance and up to approximately $10K in tuition assistance (Segal AmeriCorps Education Award)
- Qualify for discounted tuition rates (a savings of nearly $3,000) and generous scholarships
- Complete our MEd + Minnesota K-6 teaching license
Ready to apply? Submit an application through the University of Minnesota.
Program Schedule
The two-year program is designed to be completed while serving as a Reading Corps tutor at a local school. Over the course of the program, members tutor students, complete University of Minnesota coursework, student teach, and conduct field work. Learn more.
Year 1
- Serve as a tutor 5 days a week
- Complete 18 credits of coursework
- Fulfill 100 hours of field experience
Year 2
- Serve half days as a tutor and spend the other half student teaching
- Complete 18 credits of coursework
FAQs
Who is eligible?
Reading Corps members who want to be part of the Minnesota Grow Your Own Teacher initiative must meet the following qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (any subject)
- At least 2 remaining years of AmeriCorps service (served 2 or less terms)
- Some experience with children (paid or unpaid)
- Commitment to 2 years of service and ability to travel 1x monthly to campus
What are the benefits?
As part of Reading Corps and the Minnesota Grow Your Own Teacher initiative, members receive:
- A stiped of $1,150 paid every 2 weeks
- Up to $5,176 for tuition or student loans
- Generous scholarships secured by the University of Minnesota
- *Mileage reimbursement, meal per diem, and hotel accommodations for weekend classes (for those 60+ miles away from campus)
What is the timeline for applying?
Interested candidates should apply by March 21, 2025. If accepted, service will begin in August 2025.
How much does it cost?
Most members have no out-of-pocket cost for their degree thanks to the education award, University of Minnesota discounts, and scholarships.
Where can MNGOT members serve in Minnesota?
The initiative is open to individuals across the state — both in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota.
HEAR WHAT OUR ALUMNI HAVE TO SAY
Crystal Loken
“People in the university, people in the school district, and my Reading Corps supervisors were all very supportive. I would recommend it – I think it’s a really fabulous first step to being a teacher.”
Kelly Collar
“I was as prepared as I possibly could have been: I had all of that time in the classroom, working with kids, practicing those skills, and building those relationships. There’s no perfect way to get into teaching, but this is probably as good as it gets.”